Bombay HC Grants Bail to IIM Graduate with Condition: Hold ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ Banner for 3 Months
Bombay HC Grants Bail to IIM Graduate with Condition: Hold 'Don’t Drink and Drive' Banner for 3 Months
Bombay High Court Grants Bail to Drunk-Driving Accused with Unique Punishment
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court recently granted bail to a 32-year-old man, Sabyasachi Devpriya Nishank, accused in a drunk-driving case, with an unusual condition aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. Nishank, an MBA graduate from IIM Lucknow and a senior executive in a private company, was arrested in November 2024 for driving while intoxicated and causing damage to public property.
The Incident
Nishank was caught driving under the influence when he broke two barricades and rushed past a police station without stopping. Reports confirmed he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident. He was subsequently arrested and placed in police custody before being released on bail with a bond of ₹1 lakh.
Court’s Reasoning
Justice Milind Jadhav granted bail, considering Nishank’s educational background, professional standing, and the potential for him to reform. While acknowledging the severity of the offense, Justice Jadhav emphasized the need to turn the punishment into a lesson not just for the accused but also for society.
Punishment Details
As part of the court’s unique directive, Nishank will spend every weekend for three months standing at busy traffic signals in Mumbai, holding a banner that reads “Don’t Drink and Drive.” The banner must adhere to specific guidelines: it should measure 4 feet by 3 feet, feature black letters on a white background, and include colored graphics. Nishank is required to report to the traffic police, who will supervise the punishment and assist with creating the banner.
The court specified that Nishank will perform this duty at the Worli Naka Junction in Central Mumbai for three hours each weekend, standing on footpaths with the banner clearly visible to passing motorists.
Spreading Awareness
“This punishment is intended to spread awareness about the ill effects of drinking and driving,” the court stated in its order. By combining accountability with public service, the court aims to deter others from engaging in similar reckless behavior.
The case stands as a reminder of the seriousness of drunk-driving offenses and the innovative ways in which the judiciary can balance justice with social responsibility.
